This section of the AT/LT, blazed in white, heads south to the summit of Harmon Hill. The trailhead is found on the opposite side of Route 9 from the parking area. Here the trail immediately enters the woods and begins its very steep ascent using rock staircases and switchbacks. Extreme caution should be used in wet, snowy, or icy conditions. It is much easier going after the steps. The grade gradually moderates as the trail bears left, then right, and finally reaches the open summit of Harmon Hill. Prescribed burns, forest fires deliberately set and controlled by trained Forest Service fire crews, maintain the historic opening and the vistas of the surrounding landscape. The view is particularly fine to the west where Bennington, including the 306 foot Bennington Battle Monument, the prominent Mount Anthony, and other hills and mountains of the Taconic Range stand out.
Please practice Leave No Trace ethics; carry out what you carry in.
Harmon Hill Trail - Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forest, including downloadable map,
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The Appalachian Trail / Long Trail (AT/LT) crosses RT 9 five miles east of downtown Bennington, VT; and 15.8 miles west of downtown Wilmington, VT. Pedestrian crossing signs warn of the approach. There is a U.S. Forest Service parking lot on the north side of the highway, just west of the trail. Harmon Hill is across the road to the south from the parking lot.
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